Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
34. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline details of a scheme for those businesses that have a shortfall of flood cover (details supplied) compared with the cost of damages to their businesses from the flooding from Storm Babet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4419/24]
View answerThe Emergency Humanitarian Flooding Schemes closed to applications on 15th December 2023.
The scheme was available to businesses with up to 20 employees, (whole-time equivalents), community, voluntary and sporting bodies that through no fault of their own cannot secure flood insurance.
Under the emergency business flooding schemes the Government made provision to provide up to €100,000 for small businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies directly affected by the weather events in Counties Cork, Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Louth, Wexford, and Kilkenny.
These schemes provided urgent assistance to businesses that were unable, through no fault of their own, to get insurance to help with the costs of repairing the damage caused by flooding.
The scheme is intended as an emergency humanitarian assistance contribution only and not as compensation for loss or a replacement for the cover provided by insurance.
In addition, financial assistance by way of low-cost loans was immediately made available from Microfinance Ireland to businesses with up to 9 employees that could not secure loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including restocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure were also available, which could fund the refurbishment of premises, or the replacement of equipment damaged by the floods.
